“At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of practicing hour piety before men in order to be seen by them . . . when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you . . . when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men . . . But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret . . . when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men.” Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. St. Peter Chrysologus said, “Let prayer strengthen us for fasting, and fasting make supplication stronger. Let us give alms to those in need as we seek mercy for ourselves.”
Let us pray, Lord Jesus, You warn us against being show-offs in matters of faith. You look not at outward display, but at the disposition of the heart when we give alms, pray, and fast. Grant that this Lent may be a sacred time of turning inward, opening our hearts fully to You. Purify our intentions, deepen our love, and shape us by Your grace, that we may end this season holier than when we began. Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.
